Ice Flyers Seek Win In Deciding Playoff Game Today At Evansville
April 12, 2026
The joyous chants and celebratory claps reverberated through the walls and hallway, leading to the Ice Flyers dressing room.
You could feel the scene just by hearing it.
In what became one of their most complete games, the Ice Flyers solved the Evansville riddle, producing in a 3-1 victory Friday night against the defending champion Thunderbolts at the Pensacola Bay Center in Game 2 of their SPHL quarterfinal round playoff series.
The win was the Ice Flyers first playoff game victory in four years. It forced a deciding game on Sunday at 3 p.m. in Evansville, Indiana where the Ice Flyers will seek their first playoff series win since 2021 when they won their fourth SPHL President’s Cup championship.
“Satisfying to win, that’s for sure,” said Ice Flyers coach Jeremy Gates, whose team lost four regular-season games against the Thunderbolts and the playoff opener April 8 at the Ford Center in Evansville. “(Ice Flyers players) played hard and in the right way. It was good.
“To have our team play the way they did shows we can do it. We can play with anybody in this league. And the good news is that we get to play again on Sunday and try to prove that all over again.”
Both teams left Pensacola on Friday night for the 600-mile bus trip to Evansville. For the Ice Flyers, the all-night journey was their third trip to southwestern Indiana in nine days.
They finished the regular-season last weekend in Evansville, returned to Pensacola, traveled back to Evansville on Tuesday, then back again Friday night.
But Sunday presents a chance to make it all enjoyable. Neither team had practice availability on Saturday due to an event at the Ford Center. Gates preferred his team get right back on the bus for the long ride, as opposed to leaving Saturday morning.
“What happens is after these games, it’s really hard for hockey players to fall asleep,” Gates said. “So sleep on the bus…. we’ll get some breakfast, we’ll get there, rest and get to bed early. This time of year, we need the rest.”
The Ice Flyers breakthrough playoff win Friday was embraced by a crowd of 4,772, which by far was the largest crowd of the four SPHL quarterfinal games that night.
It adds to the Ice Flyers setting another attendance record – their third year in a row – after drawing 168,493 fans in 29 home games this season. Attracting large crowds for a playoff game is difficult, because of an uncertain schedule and little time to sell group outings or advance sales.
But Gates sensed the enthusiasm earlier Friday afternoon when he went out for lunch.
“I had people I never met before in my life, saying they were coming to the game,” Gates said. “They recognized me and that’s impressive. Everyone is just so supportive. It just shows the passion here and this community has something to cheer for and support.
“Our front office does a heckuva job promoting it and I just want us to do our part as a team in putting the right guys on the ice and win a hockey game.”
With the crowd chanting, “Let’s Go Flyers!” moments after the opening faceoff, the Ice Flyers produced the game’s first goal, less than five minutes into the game, when Tyler Burnie got a pass from Tyler German and rifled home a wrist shot from inside faceoff circle.
After Evansville tied the game in the second period, Ice Flyers defenseman and enforcer Laudon Poellinger scored on a wrist shot with 45 seconds left in the period. Earlier in the period, he engaged with Evansville’s Cameron MacPhee in a mid-ice fight after the two instantly left the penalty box for roughing.
Poellinger had a huge night. Two scraps, a goal, an assist and chosen as the game’s No. 1 star.
“He had a Gordie Howe hat trick” said Gates, referring to the legendary Detroit Red Wings’ Hall of Famer known for his scoring and brawling. “He had a goal, an assist and a fight.
“(Poellinger) was involved all over the ice. Heckuva game by him. But everybody played well. The level of experience we’re gathering from this is just one step at a time. We got three more periods to play (on Sunday) and we’ll see what happens.”
The Ice Flyers got a pivotal final goal Friday when Matt Allen perfectly timed the carom off the back boards from a teammates and sent the puck into the net before Evansville’s talented goaltender Kristian Stead had time to react. Those are the kind of bounces you need in a playoff game.
Evansville coach Jeff Bes pulled Stead with four minutes remaining, following a timeout, to give the Thunderbolts an extra attacker. But Ice Flyers goaltender Christian Propp won his fourth game in seven starts by finishing an outstanding performance between the pipes.
It included stopping Evansville on a wide open breakaway in the first period. Propp is playing with his fifth different team this season after joining the Ice Flyers in late March.
“He was focused from the start,” Gates said. “He provides the type of leadership that has experience. He has played in big games before.”
Evansville has an 18-8 home record with three overtime losses. Gates knows it figures to be another hard-checking, hard-grinding type of game on Sunday for the chance to reach the semifinals.
No matter what happens, the Ice Flyers were able to re-establish themselves this season in the league with an upper-tier finish in the standings and getting a playoff win.
“We are a learning group that is just kinda chugging away at it,” Gates said. “Sometimes being naïve to things is great. It’s step by step. I’m proud, but not satisfied.
“We work our butts off, everyone in this organization to just keep inching away at it. Maturing, being professional every single day.. and giving our guys the best opportunity.
“(Evansville) have a lot of experience over there. They won last year and have a lot of guys who have come back and know how to do those little things. But we are a better hockey team when we play the game the right way.”
written by Bill Vilona
Despite Late Rally, Wahoos Fall Short To Shuckers
April 12, 2026
Despite a late rally, the Pensacola Blue Wahoos fell to the Biloxi Shuckers 7-5 on Saturday night.
Pensacola got off to a good start with club ace Karson Milbrandt (L, 0-1) opening the game with three scoreless innings. The Wahoos then struck first offensively with a three-run fourth inning, thanks to a throwing error by Biloxi on a single from Jay Beshears, and a sacrifice fly from Dylan Jasso. This gave Pensacola a 3-0 lead.
That lead would not make it out of the fourth inning though, as the Shuckers answered for five runs, kickstarted by a fielding error from second baseman Cristian Hernández. It was completed with a two-run home run from Darrien Miller, and an RBI single and steal of home from Kay-Lan Nicasia.
Biloxi tacked on two more via an Eduardo Garcia single in the fifth and a Matthew Wood sacrifice fly in the seventh. The Wahoos would threaten late, stealing back a run in the eighth inning on a Ryan Ignoffo double, and adding one more in the ninth, thanks to a Brendan Jones double. Sam Garcia (S, 1) entered from the Biloxi bullpen to strike out Fenwick Trimble and Ignoffo, stranding the potential tying run at second base to end the game.
Stiven Cruz (W, 1-0) was awarded the win after pitching 4.0 scoreless, hitless frames in long relief for Biloxi.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Shuckers on Sun
day.
New Educational Born Learning Trail For Kids Is Now Open In Century
April 11, 2026
Over two dozen volunteers gathered Friday morning in Century to refresh a Born Learning STEAM Trail.
The Born Learning Trail, a United Way Worldwide initiative since 2005, first opened in Century in late 2020, but the trail’s paint had since faded away. The trail is a series of the signs with activities painted on a park trail that offer fun, interactive learning activities for young children and their families. It was designed to help parents, caregivers, and communities create quality engagement opportunities when out on a stroll or while playing at the park.
The Born Learning Trail in Century was the second in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
The Century Born Learning Trail is a partnership between International Paper, the Town of Century, and United Way of West Florida.
To visit the Born Learning Trail in Century, head to Showalter Park off East Hecker Road. Drive north around the baseball and softball fields and follow the road past the cemetery. The trail begins in portion of the paved trail that is under the trees. For a Google map, click here. The park is open daily from sunrise until sunset.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Northiew Lady Chiefs Walk Off With Senior Night Win
April 11, 2026
The Northview Lady Chiefs walked off with a 15-0 shutout of Destin on Senior Night in Bratt.
Kylee Langham had a two-run inside-the-park home run for the Chiefs.
Senior Peyton Womack pitched a complete mercy-rule-shortened four innings, allowing just three hits and no runs while striking out six and walking two.
For a photo gallery, click here. (Look for Senior Night photos at the end of the gallery.)
Before the game, Northview honored seniors Riley Brooks, Amanda Fernandez, and Peyton Womack.
Next week, the Lady Chiefs will travel to Jay on Thursday.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Sunny And Dry, Highs In The Middle 80s Through The Weekend
April 11, 2026
High pressure will dominate the region through the upcoming week, delivering a consistent stretch of bright and warm spring weather. Residents can expect ample sunshine from Saturday through Friday, with afternoon highs climbing steadily from the low 80s into the mid-80s by midweek. Overnight conditions will remain comfortable, with lows generally hovering in the upper 50s and low 60s under mostly clear skies.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 84. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the morning.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 55. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 83. Light east wind becoming southeast 10 to 15 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 58. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light in the evening.
Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 83. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 58. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 84. Light southeast wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 60. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 85.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 61.
Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 86.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 61.
Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 86.
Seniors Spice Up Healthy Living With Fresh Herb Workshop
April 11, 2026
Local seniors are adding a little flavor to their kitchens thanks to a recent collaboration between Escambia Extension Horticulture in Cantonment and Feeding the Gulf Coast.
The educational program focused on using fresh herbs to “spice up” meals. Master Gardener Volunteer Debbie led the session, providing expert insights into growing basil and the benefits of companion planting.
To help participants put their new knowledge into practice, every senior took home a custom container garden featuring a selection of fresh vegetables and herbs.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate Lacrosse Falls To Gulf Breeze In District Semifinals
April 11, 2026
The Tate Aggies fell in the 2A District 1 Lacrosse tournament on Friday at No. 1 Gulf Breeze 20-3.
Wednesday’s Tate 12-0 win over Milton in the quarterfinals was a first in program history.
The Aggies finished the season at 8-12, 2-5 in the district.
Gulf Breeze will host Navarre on Tuesday in the district championship.
Just before districts, the Aggies recognized four seniors on Senior Night:
- Taelyn Hubbard
- Reagan Schoonover
- Tori Sappington
- Emily Walson
For more senior night photos, click here.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview Golfer Jack Boutwell Signs With Reid State
April 11, 2026
Friday afternoon, Northview High School golfer Jack Boutwell signed to continue his education and play golf at the next level.
Boutwell will be attending Reid State Community College on scholarship.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ice Flyers Win Game Two Of Playoff Series (With Gallery)
April 11, 2026
In front of a Whiteout crowd at the Hangar, the Pensacola Ice Flyers delivered when it mattered most, defeating the Evansville Thunderbolts to even their best-of-three playoff series at one game apiece.
Facing elimination following a 4–1 loss in Game 1, the Ice Flyers came out with urgency and energy from the opening puck drop. Tyler Burnie ignited the crowd in the first period, netting the game’s opening goal and sending the Ice Flyers Faithful to their feet. The early strike proved to be the lone goal of the period, giving Pensacola a 1–0 lead heading into the intermission.
Evansville answered early in the second period, evening the score and briefly shifting momentum. But Pensacola responded late in the frame, as Laudon Poellinger found the back of the net to restore the lead. The Ice Flyers carried that 2–1 advantage into the second intermission, fueled by a strong forecheck and consistent offensive pressure.
The Ice Flyers continued to push in the third period, refusing to let up. Midway through the frame, Matt Allen extended the lead to 3–1, giving Pensacola breathing room and sending the Hangar into a frenzy. From there, the Ice Flyers locked things down defensively and closed out the win to force a decisive Game 3.
With the series now tied, Pensacola will turn its focus to Evansville, where the winner-take-all Game 3 is set for Sunday at 3 p.m
Wahoos Win A Thriller For First Win Of The Season
April 11, 2026
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos notched their first win of the season in thrilling fashion Friday night, edging out a 5-4 win over the Biloxi Shuckers. Pensacola improved their record to 1-5 while Biloxi fell to 4-3.
Catcher Ryan Ignoffo had an eventful first inning, catching Dylan O’Rae trying to steal second base, and then making an athletic play to nab Jesús Made at first base on a groundball in front of the plate.
The Wahoos followed that up with three runs in the top of the second inning while sending 9 batters to the plate. The scoring came on an error by the shortstop, Eric Brown Jr., on a batted ball by Emaarion Boyd, and a two-run single from Gage Miller.
The offense output continued into the third inning, when Michael Snyder brought Ian Lewis Jr. home on an RBI groundout. And the fourth was no different, as the good guys tacked on one more run, courtesy of a Fenwick Trimble sacrifice fly.
The Shuckers did make it interesting though. They scored twice in the fourth inning on RBIs from Mike Boeve and Matthew Wood, and twice more in the fifth inning on a throwing error from Cristian Hernández, and a bases-loaded walk from Wood again.
From then on, both bullpens would go scoreless. Pensacola would lean on Luis Polacios (W, 1-0), Justin King, and Samuel Vásquez to go the final 4.2 innings, while Biloxi went to Tanner Gillis and Mark Manfredi Sr. to finish the final 6.0 innings.
Wahoos starter, Brandon White, went 3.2 innings and allowed two runs in a no-decision. Shuckers starter, Bishop Letson (L, 0-2), went 1.1 innings and allowed 3 runs in his second loss of the season.
Ian Lewis Jr. left the game in the seventh inning with an apparent leg injury after grounding out to second-base.
The Blue Wahoos continue their series against the Shuckers on Saturday.
written by Charlie Hobert